@katwat I'm on slight different chemo regime - Doxyrubicin and Cyclophosmamide but similar effects (then I go onto Paclytaxol. I was given the option of cold caps (and boy, are they cold). I had some thinning at the very end of the first cycle but at this stage, not enough to warrant stopping, so continued with it for my second treatment yesterday. I too am doing it for the kids but they are now on board with me stopping the caps if it doesn't look like working (I've charged my girls with learning how to tie great scarves if I go bald) For me, the actual treatment is about 4 hours with the caps (the cap adds about 1 3/4 hours to it). They set it up and get it working, then start the pre-meds, administer the chemo drugs, then leave the cap on for another 1 1/2 hours once I've been disconnected from the drip. Of course, there's time spent there prior having bloods taken and meeting with the onc.
First treatment was definitely the worst as I suffered a lot from nausea and severe fatigue. I was pretty unwell for the first 7 days. Day 8 was the turning point for me - not perfect but I could rejoin the living. The onc has already tweaked the premeds and given me better take home drugs so, so far I'm feeling better than I was last time and hoping that continues. And I'm not worried about ringing up anytime and saying that I need something stronger/different.
Try to do some light exercise such as go for a short walk, even if it's the last thing you feel like doing. It helps the body recover (and I believe push the chemo drugs out quicker). As you build up the exercise to moderately/high, there is evidence that you help protect your heart from the drugs. But don't overdue things and I would suggest if it's anything other than walking, you get the okay from your onc.
Good luck on Monday!
